Archeologist: Old Garbage Is Great Find

PENSACOLA — A garbage dump seems like an odd spot to hit the jackpot, but one archeologist is calling the find one of the most significant in Florida.

Archeologists and students from the University of West Florida say the site dates back to the first permanent settlement in Pensacola in 1752.

''This is one of the most significant finds in the state of Florida,'' said Judy Bense, the city's archeologist.

The dump was found by construction crews under pavement on the east side of Plaza Ferdinand in the historic district.

The team has found glass, enamel, flint from a musket, nails, strap hinges, ceramic cups, saucers, plates and serving bowls, buttons, clothing ornaments and food remains.

The artifacts date between the early 1750s and the 1780s, she said.

''Garbage is the most revealing thing people can produce. Detectives use it all the time,'' said Bense.

''What people throw away reveals what they did. For us to answer the questions of what was early Spanish and British life like in Pensacola, how well-off were these people, what kind of food did they have . . . the best information we have is from their garbage.''

Bense said the find shows early settlers in Pensacola tried to keep their European culture. They preferred eating cows to deer and used European dishes rather than pottery.